Serco has been awarded a two-year extension to its existing contract with Network Rail’s National Delivery Service (NDS).

The contract, valued at £22.5 million per year, is for the planning, operation and maintenance of a unique fleet of specialist trains which help Network Rail deliver its asset management plan. The fleet includes infrastructure monitoring vehicles used to measure track geometry and carry out ultrasonic rail testing, optical gauging of structures and dynamic measurement of overhead electrified lines.

The remainder of the specialist train fleet includes five rail grinding machines, which are used for rail grinding on the entire Network Rail network to help maintain rail profile, manage fatigue and prevent rail breaks.

The work pattern is planned and operated to ensure minimum disruption to UK passenger and freight operations.

Dave Hooper, Managing Director of Serco Rail Operations, said: “NDS has taken the decision to extend its initial three year contract with Serco based on our team’s continual improvement of service delivery. Over the next two years, we will provide almost 6,000 specialist train work shifts all the while working seamlessly alongside the Network Rail team to provide safe, reliable and efficient journeys for passengers and freight travelling across the UK.”

Serco Rail Operations is a licensed train operator, with UK wide operations, maintenance capability and logistics support. It operates specialist trains on behalf of Network Rail, to ensure that the UK rail infrastructure is managed as a safe transport environment. In addition, Serco - as part of its joint venture with NedRailways - operates Northern Rail and Merseyrail. Northern Rail is the largest network in the UK incorporating 472 stations and 1,600 miles of track.